i spent the day learning and playing around with my zodiac element, fire, and a friend of mine definitely thinks that it might be the right one for me. i'm still not done investigating the rest of them though. i want to make sure i find one that i am truly comfortable with. the air element sounds the most interesting to me.

Well personally I don't even believe that there is such a thing as "the right element to work with" or "a wrong element to work with" it seems to me that it doesn't carry a very big significance
as many have already noticed in this thread - zodiac signs are linked with the four classical elements
but I don't even trust so much the modern horoscopes because of a phenomenon known as "the precession of the equinoxes" so technically even though those horoscopes say I was born under Sagittarius due to the wobbling of earth's axis along those years it happens so that I was in fact born under the constellation of Scorpio
I do trust classical astrology however

Perhaps you can just research what characteristics do the four elements have and this way chose which one are you most attracted to
personally my favorite is water
it's deep and mystic it represents the subconscious mind

I should also add that the 4 natural Elements are EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER. Spirit is also considered in most magickal styles.

I am also wondering why a individual is only looking to work with one element of magick because by not understanding and connecting with all the elements you are essentially setting yourself up for failure.

Be understanding all the elements and how to use it you will benefit your magick in every way.